Why the Panasonic Lumix GX9 is not good in 2020

Some major reasons why we might be moving away from Panasonic GX9 mirrorless camera (and MFT in general)

In the last year we did took thousands of pictures and recorded hundreds of videos with one of the better Micro 4/3 cameras - the Panasonic Lumix GX9. And even though we can say lots of positives about it, there are some major problems that really make us think about selling it and moving away from MFT in general. In the next few lines we will share these exact reasons.

Panasonic Lumix GX9 and Autofocus

There is so much said about this topic and this has been an issue not only with the GX9 but with almost all MFT cameras up to the benchmark video camera Panasonic GH5. The contrast-detect system just not deliver what consumers expect in 2020. There are just superior systems from competitors and some of them are quite competitively priced. 

Six months with the Panasonic Lumix GX9 - 2020 review

Our major complaint from the autofocus is the constant focus-hunting that we see in our videos. Sometimes even when recording in good light and camera mounted on professional tripod, the GX9 manages to ruin the footage with sudden loose of focus and almost constant hunting noticed in the background. And all of that can be quite annoying, especially when trying to record professional grade footage. 

Camera issues with Panasonic Lumix GX9 and MFT in 2020 - video

Of course the GX9 is not a videographers oriented camera but it is really a shame that we now use our Samsung Galaxy Note 9 much more efficiently for videos than a $1000 camera kit. Sound is also superiors on the Note 9, tuned much better when recording without external mic. Actually, one cannot record with external mic with the GX9 since it doesn't have a mic port at all... what a shame, isn't it.

But if you need this camera for street-photography and photography in good light conditions in general, the GX9 will serve you well and you will get some really amazing photos (depending on the skills and the lens you have). 

Lacking some major features

As we already mentioned the GX9 is missing a port for external microphones. It is neither good for vloggers since you can't rotate the screen, so selfies and vlogging on the go will be just hit and miss.

And even though Panasonic markets the GX9 as a street camera it lacks any dust or water protection. You also cannot use it in minus temperatures during the winter. 

On the other hand the Panasonic GX9 has some great features that didn't make us get rid off it on the very first month - great sensor, very good colors from the default profiles, nice and bright display... ops, forgot to tell you about the display.

Panasonic GX9 and the Display issues

Just couple of weeks before our Panasonic GX9 was about to go out of warranty, the display broke.

The broken display is now replaced (during warranty period)

There were couple of small white dots that appeared on the screen so we had to return the camera to the shop and it was sent for repair. Then we had to wait couple of weeks until the display was replaced.

Panasonic Lumix G H-H014 14mm f/2.5 ASPH lens tested

All of the things we mentioned here were probably noticed by Panasonic themselves and the camera is no longer offered in most photo stores. It is really a shame, since with couple of minor tweaks it could have been a great little camera with amazing 20 MP sensor.